By Car
With a weak public transportation infrastructure and long distances between towns, an automobile is essential in these parts, particularly if you plan to get off the beaten path (the exception would be a ski vacation where you stay at the resort). Most paved roads are well maintained -- in fact, road-repair crews are a much bigger hazard than potholes. Be forewarned that many of the less-accessible places require driving down dirt or gravel roads, far from the nearest tow truck.
If you plan to get off the highway, rent accordingly: You'll need front-wheel drive at least, and if you're going onto the bentonite roads of the desert or foothills, you'd better get four-wheel-drive. In the winter, even the interstates can turn glassy and treacherous.
Car rentals are available in every sizable city in the state and at airports. Widely represented agencies include Alamo (tel. 800/462-5266; www.alamo.com), Avis (tel. 800/331-1212; www.avis.com), Budget (tel. 800/527-0700; www.budget.com), Enterprise (tel. 800/261-7331; www.enterprise.com), Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131; www.hertz.com), National (tel. 800/227-7368; www.nationalcar.com), and Thrifty (tel. 800/847-4389; www.thrifty.com). Detailed lists of car-rental agencies in particular areas are included throughout the book.
Speed limits in Montana are 75 mph on interstates and 70 mph or slower on secondary roads, depending on the road condition and contour. The interstate speed limit in Wyoming is 75 mph, while the speed limits for two-lane roads throughout the state are as posted (usually 55 or 65 mph). The limits are enforced fairly strictly, particularly in construction areas, where fines are doubled.
Take extra precautions when driving in winter, since some highways may be restricted to four-wheel-drive vehicles or those equipped with tire chains or snow tires (these highways will be clearly marked), or may be closed for hours and even -- in cases of severe mudslides -- months. Also, some roads (including several in Yellowstone and Glacier national parks) are always closed in winter. Make sure you have the following safety items: a shovel and a small bag of sand or cat litter in case you get stuck in snow or ice; a first-aid kit; jumper cables; wool blankets or sleeping bag; and an ice scraper/snow brush. Always carry drinking water, summer or winter.
Above all, winter motorists need to drive slower, not make any sudden turns or stops, and watch for wildlife: Some animals gravitate to the warmth of asphalt during cold weather.
